Keep the kids entertained in Leicester

If you’re the proud owner of a small child – or possibly more than one – congratulations! No doubt you’ll have read the manual by now, so you don’t need us to tell you about the emotional rollercoaster of joy, tears, laughter, impatience, unconditional love, frustration and silliness these tiny little despots bring into your life, all served on a delicious backdrop of very little sleep.

But hey, who needs sleep anyway? And if you’re currently spending your days ‘treating yourself’ to a wee because it means five minutes’ peace from your pint-sized overlords, we’ve got some great news for you. Leicester and Leicestershire are like one big children’s playground, packed with attractions and entertainment to suit every budget, age range and emerging personality.

Fear not, hyperbole-checkers – Leicester really does become one big playground for the Spark festival, the largest children’s arts festival in England and Wales.

Over the bank holiday weekend of 26-28 May, The Spark is taking over Leicester to host The City Playground, featuring a host of free activities, including a circus-themed family day at Curve, a Little Raptors dinosaur-themed event at New Walk Museum, and the chance to make mega monoprints at Leicester Print Workshop. There’s also a digital playground at the Phoenix, featuring the interactive Illumaphonium, a multi-player musical sculpture made up of more than 200 illuminated chime bars. Imagine that – 200 chime bars, ripe for the playing by any number of excited children. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The Spark festival is packed full of interesting, innovative and inclusive experiences for you and the kids, with further highlights as diverse as a writers’ workshop for budding playwrights aged 8-14, and sensory game-play for very young children at The Gallery DMU. Performances include Whatever the Weather at the Attenborough Arts Centre, and Animus  – a musical adventure into the animal kingdom – at The Y.

Outside of the Spark, Leicester and Leicestershire have an excellent year-round reputation for family activities. Abbey Park, so easily accessible from the city centre, is a great place to venture if the kids need to let off some steam.  It has a large play park, an adorable Pets’ Corner and a narrow-gauge railway to ride on at weekends, as well as the chance to hire a pedalo and get out on the lake!  With the remains of Leicester’s historic abbey to explore and a riverside walk, it’s easy to spend a day here.

Out in the county, Conkers Discovery Centre is a family favourite for outdoorsy fun – although it also has a huge interactive indoor play area too. The barefoot walk at Conkers will get you back to nature – take off your shoes and wallow in mud, wince over the stones and feel the grass beneath your feet. For adrenaline junkies, there’s a zipwire and high-ropes course, while younger children will enjoy a ride on the Conkerchoo train and fantastic adventure playground with its fun tube slides.

Hicks Lodge is great for biking fun – and it hires out tagalongs and trailers so you can cycle round the lake with small ones. For older children, try the exciting mountain bike trails that wind through the new woodland at this former coalmining site.

Bradgate Park is, of course, a Leicestershire institution and somewhere many of the locals remember fondly from their own childhood. Venture a little farther afield and you can wander through the woodland at Swithland Wood, or hike up to Broombriggs Farm and Beacon Hill for some great views. 

Back in the city, you’ll find that urban landscapes can be just as exciting as natural ones, so don’t underestimate the power of Jubilee Square, the dinosaur gallery at New Walk Museum and Orton Square in St George’s Cultural Quarter as great places for a good old-fashioned runaround. Reluctant walkers in tow? Download the Look at Leicester family walking trail that will banish boredom for young ones – start at the Clock Tower and spot fantastical creatures and more, all hidden in architectural features set on buildings around the city.

The Phoenix must get a further mention for its family-friendly atmosphere and sensibly-priced popcorn. And if you stay for lunch or a snack, there’s a range of board games for you to check out while you wait for your food. A leisurely brunch here is a treat the whole family will enjoy.